Study Looks Ai Weight-Loss Medication And Diabetes (NAPSA)}—A new study shows that a mildly reduced-calorie diet and a weight loss medication can help control type 2 diabetes and decrease daily doses of msulin. The data presented at the 61st Seientifie Sessions of the American Diabetes Association support previous studies that show Xenical? (orlistat) Vay not only helps patients with type 2 diabetes lose weight and lower blood sugar levels, but certain patients also are able to reduce taking insulin or diabetes medication. “The evidence supporting Xenieabs ability to improve the overall condition of patients with type 2 diabetes is extremely positive,” said George Bray, MD, lead study investigator, Boyd Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, La. “New data further illustrates the important rele that Xenical plays in treating overweight patients with this condition.” Weight is the most important critical risk factor for the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. However, of the estimated 15.6 million people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S., 67 percent are either overweight or obese. Some diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas and insulin, can cause unfavorable weight gain in patients with type 2 diabetes. Effective weight management is an essential component oflongterm treatmentof the disease. Weight loss-——even as little as five ten percent—improves control f blood sugar levels and other cardiovascular risk factors commooly seen in patients with this condition. “This is an important study as it shows that Xenical actually reduces the risk factors associated with the disease,” said Bray. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently Editor’s Note: Pe nix balance ste an. ft is the an appetite suppre’ \ tensively BLE “oe > 5 | \ t People with type 2 diabetes may be able to take less insulin if they're able to lose more weight, a study shows. reviewing ao application for a new indication for Xenical for the improvernent of glycernic control (blood sugar control) in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes when used in combination with other antidiabetic agenis. This application is supported by findings from seven large multicenter trials involving more than 25,000 patients with diabetes and studies up to one year in duration which are among the largest and longest fer antidiabetic drugs. Xenical is currently the sole prescription weight loss medication being used in Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes), the first long-term study to examine the effects of weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. The study is funded by the National Insti tute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDRE) of the National Institutes of Health CNTH). udied pharmacologicalwe ae management treatir aricipating inclinical trials with Xenical. the |food consumed from being absorbed, patients emenis, an urgent need to have them and an ined itity “control them, Di n recommended. Xen hould not be taken ifpati d absorption problems or redt bile flow. if taking eyclosporine, patients shou ak bo their ch tors before taking Xenical. Xenical reduces the absorption of some vitamins. Therefore, a ada fy muliivitaim in is recommended.
